Belmont Middle School' s Harvey named 'School Nurse of 2009'

Friday

Apr 10, 2009 at 3:15 AMApr 10, 2009 at 8:56 AM

By HARRISON HAAS

The Shaker Regional School District has learned that Belmont Middle School Nurse Gerri Harvey has been named the 2009-2010 N.H. School Nurse of the Year. She will be formally recognized during the N.H. Excellence in Education "Edies" Awards ceremony in June.

Students, staff members and parents recognized Harvey during a student-led assembly where she received a standing ovation and words of praise after Principal Aaron Pope announced Harvey's award, which was selected by a statewide committee of school nurse peers.

"I was privileged to hear I won, but I was just honored to have been nominated for it," Harvey said.

Pope and Superintendent Michael Cozort nominated her earlier in the year, as they had for many years because of their belief that she deserved the award. To be eligible, candidates must be a registered professional nurse, have been practicing school nursing for a minimum of three years and a member of the N.H. School Nurse Association in the past year, and show evidence of excellence in school nursing practice.

Harvey is in her 20th year as a school nurse, having worked at BMS for the past nine years and in the Laconia elementary schools for 10 years before coming to Belmont.

"She's so well-respected and trusted by parents," said Cozort. "When she sees a need, she fills it, whether it is taking care of a needy family or sitting down with a parent and discussing a health issue. This honor is long overdue."

For a brief period of time, she took a break from school nursing and worked for Community Health and Hospice for three years. When Belmont Middle School had an opening, she applied and was hired in March 2000.

"I have nominated or tried to nominate her for several years, but was told by the N.H. School Nurses' Association that, because she was an officer of the association, she was unable to receive the award," Cozort said.

As soon as the school district realized she was able to receive the award, the nomination was resubmitted.

"This award was a long time coming for her," said Pope. "She is such an important part of the school community and the relations she has with everyone makes her that much more special as a school nurse."

In 2004, Harvey received the Victor Montana Alumnae Award from Granite State College where she did her undergraduate work, receiving her bachelor of science degree in Behavioral Science. She received her nursing degree from Bristol Community College in Fall River, Mass.

Harvey is a past president of the N.H. School Nurses' Association. She served as the association's past newsletter editor and is the current webmaster. She holds a master's degree in Education from Antioch New England University and holds national certification in School Nursing. Recently Harvey was nominated for membership in the nursing honor society, Sigma Theta Tau.

Harvey was recognized in 2006 by the National Association of School Nurses, receiving its first Outstanding Contributions to School Nursing Award, which cited her leadership as a school nurse peer mentor, coach and speaker at local, state and national levels, along with her years of service on the editorial board of "The Journal of School Nursing."

Over the past century, the role of the school nurse has grown from giving out bandages and cough syrup. Over the last few decades, the job has become more complex by not only serving as a care provider for ill or injured students but also as a liaison to community providers, leaders in school safety and health promotion and expert advocates for the students' well-being at the legislative level.

"The role of a school nurse has changed," said Cozort. "They provide care, manage kids with health issues and give health education."

Harvey said she has been enjoying the kudos from her students, staff and peers, but most importantly, she enjoys her work as a school nurse.

"I cannot imagine having a more fulfilling job," said Harvey. "It is both challenging and rewarding. I know that, as a school nurse, I am supporting the mission of education at the same time that I am promoting healthy children. What a great way to touch the future!"

As she prepares to teach cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid classes to certify her school staff, she also is preparing to teach CPR to her students as part of her district's CPR Safe School Initiative, which includes how to use the school's automated external defibrillator (AED).

The official award will be presented to Harvey in June during the "Edies" when Governor John Lynch, the N.H. Department of Education and the N.H. Education Association gather to honor the state's best from every educational specialty.

"The secret to being a great school nurse is to work in a great school district, with excellent teachers, supportive parents and awesome kids," Harvey said at last week's assembly.